Masters 2024: For defending champ Jon Rahm, one year makes a big difference

Last April at Augusta, the Spaniard was the PGA Tour star who staved off his LIV Golf foes. Now he’s one of them. How Jon Rahm’s LIV stance evolved from then to now.

There’s a great irony waiting for Jon Rahm at Augusta this year as he seeks to defend his Masters title. In 2023, some cast him as the savior of the PGA Tour, holding off LIV defectors Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson in a thrilling final round. Now, he’s the LIV defector, having gone to the breakaway circuit last December.

More than that, Rahm is both LIV’s headliner and their biggest coup. When he tees it up at the Masters, the 29-year-old Spaniard will be the same guy playing the same tournament as a year ago, but the vibe will be completely different as he competes along with 12 other LIV members. And it’s no surprise that, with how much has changed, Rahm’s own words have undergone their own evolution.

In a podcast released at the end of March, Rahm discussed the design of LIV Golf in detail, expressing consistently positive views.   

“The tournament has some unique aspects, such as the shotgun start and three rounds, but as a player, I often forget about the format once I’m focused on the game. 

Having competition set at specific times of the day makes it more accessible as a viewing product.   The addition of music and a different atmosphere attracts a younger audience who may not have been interested in golf before.  

I highly recommend that people who haven’t seen it come and watch because it’s unique and enjoyable.” 

The statements would not be unexpected for anyone who has kept up with the world of professional golf in the past year.   However, if you traveled back in time from 2022, you would probably be shocked.  

In contrast to Rory McIlroy, whose journey with LIV was extensively documented through numerous public remarks made at almost every tournament he participated in for several years, Rahm was more reserved about the breakaway league.   Nevertheless, whenever he did express his opinion, he strongly opposed it.   Yet, by the conclusion of 2023, he had completely changed his stance.   

Rahm’s journey from being a strong opponent of LIV to becoming its top signee and a key advocate can be analyzed in three separate time periods. 

Era I: The Year of Staunch Opposition.

“This is my official, my one and only time I’ll talk about this,” Rahm told the gathered media at Riviera in February 2022. “Where I am officially declaring my fealty to the PGA Tour. I’m a PAC member, and I have a lot of belief in Jay Monahan and the product that they’re going to give us in the future. There has been a lot of talk and speculation about the Saudi league. It’s just not something I believe is the best for me and my future in golf, and I think the best legacy I can accomplish will be with the PGA Tour.”

Rahm is far from the first player to reverse course on what seemed like definitive comments, but among the group who eventually left for LIV, his defense of the PGA Tour ahead of its launch in 2022 was particularly vigorous, his words seemingly emphatic. And, despite his disclaimer, this was not the last time he would speak about it. His most elaborate remarks, in fact, came a few months later at the U.S. Open, when he spoke about turning down the money he had reportedly been offered to join LIV ahead of its formal launch that June.

Money is not the biggest motivator for professional golfer Tiger Woods. He mentioned that even if he won $400 million, his lifestyle wouldn’t change.  

He believes he could retire comfortably with the money he has already earned and could live happily without ever playing golf again.   Woods claimed that he plays the sport for his love of the game and the opportunity to compete against the best in the world.  

His motivation comes from his passion for golf, not financial gain.   Additionally, he is interested in leaving a lasting legacy in the history of the PGA Tour.   

He went on to commend the tour, focusing on its unique aspects.    Winning the Memorial Championship has significance.   Winning Arnold Palmer’s event at Bay Hill also holds meaning.  

Victory at historic venues like L.A. and Torrey is important to me.   Winning the U.S. Open and joining Tiger as a winner at Torrey Pines is special.   Making putts on the 18th hole is a memory I will cherish forever.   My loyalty lies with the PGA Tour. That is my only comment.   

“Ultimately, he attempted to change the format.”    He stated that a three-day shotgun event is not like a golf tournament with no cut because he wants to compete against the best golfers in the world in a traditional format.   

Rahm consistently refrained from openly criticizing the players who participated in LIV, as he maintained a close friendship with Sergio Garcia.

He avoided discussing the origins of the funding, but his remarks carried weight during a crucial period for the PGA Tour when strong support from a prominent figure was necessary.    In the autumn months, during the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, Rahm appeared to be in a secure position.  

He expressed his gratitude, stating, “I feel extremely fortunate in my life.” Rahm further mentioned, “Thankfully, I have excelled in golf and have been able to earn more money than I require.”   

He mentioned that players like himself should express gratitude for LIV Golf, as it has increased his potential earnings on the PGA Tour. 

  Era II: A Slight Softening
During this era, spanning from Winter 2022 to Fall 2023, including his victory at the Masters, Rahm continued his trend of speaking very sparingly about LIV. However, he stopped giving speeches about money, and there was a noticeable change in Rahm’s tone after the PGA Tour and LIV reached their June 6 agreement.   It was not that he appeared to be preparing to leave, but rather that he was not interested in being in the spotlight.   An example of this occurred in July when he was asked about potential penalties for players returning from LIV. 

He stated his understanding of why some players on the PGA Tour may not want them to return, as well as why others may want them to come back.  

He acknowledged the appeal of certain events and golf courses.   He believed that there should be consequences for their actions, but was uncertain about the appropriate punishment.  

He clarified that he is not involved in making such decisions as it is not his responsibility.   He emphasized that his role is to focus on playing golf to the best of his ability.   

During this time, Rahm made the decision to no longer be a part of the Player Advisory Council. Additionally, he chose to withdraw from playing in Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL simulator league due to the significant time commitment required for participation.  

Despite this, Rahm consistently stated that he did not intend to join LIV Golf even after its structure was revealed.   By August, his stance seemed just as resolute as it was a year ago.

I laugh when people rumor me with LIV Golf,” he said on the Spanish-language podcast Golf Sin Etiquetas. “I never liked the format. And I always have a good time with Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia in the practice rounds of majors. Phil respects my decision, and I respect his choice. Mickelson has told me that I have no reason to go play for LIV, and he has told me that multiple times.”

Era III: The Abrupt Change
When it happened, it happened fast—rumors swirled for a week, and then Rahm was gone.

“I am proud to join LIV Golf and be part of something new that is bringing growth to the sport,” Rahm said in his introductory press conference in December. “I have no doubt that this is a great opportunity for me and my family and am very excited for the future.”

His comments in that press conference were wide-ranging, but among the most interesting quotes, at least in the context of his previous remarks, was the admission that yes, the money mattered. (Rumors have run the gamut, with many reports saying the number was more than $300 million and some ranging as high as $600 million.) 

The money is great,” he said. “It’s wonderful, but what I’ve said before is true. I do not play golf for the money. I play golf for the love of the game and for the love of golf, but as a husband and as a father and family man, I have a duty to my family to give them the best opportunities and the most amount of resources possible.”

He described himself as “ambitious” rather than “greedy,” mentioned that his future with the Ryder Cup was a major concern before signing, and stated that he could accept any consequences as long as he had the backing of his family.  

The most significant shift, though, was his change in perspective on the format of the event.    “The importance of teamwork is crucial,” he stated.   He explained that in Spain, where he grew up as a football fan, teams are the key focus.  

He mentioned being part of the Spanish national team and more recently ASU. Throughout his career, he has been a member of a golf team.   He expressed excitement about forming a team of four skilled players and how it reminds him of the feeling of camaraderie.  

He emphasized that this sense of teamwork is not often experienced in golf, which motivates him greatly.    During a subsequent video podcast in February 2024, Rahm revisited the topic of money and made mention of his well-known quotes from June 2022.   

“And of course, in order for me to consider making a change, there had to be factors other than just financial ones, correct?   When I made that statement, I was completely sincere and it held true.   However, when a significant sum of money is offered to you, your perspective does shift.  

While I strive not to prioritize material possessions, I also feel a responsibility to provide a successful future for my family, especially now that I have children.”    He mentioned another factor which was the framework agreement.    “When it occurred, I thought we were truly uniting.  

There was a shift happening, so I felt it was necessary to listen to their ideas and vision.   I believed it was important to give them a chance and hear them out after the season ended.”

  McIlroy’s transformation was gradual and understated, and it appears to still be ongoing. 

On the other hand, Rahm’s transition was more rapid and seems to be complete, even amidst changes in the golf world.  

He faced less backlash compared to other players who left, mainly due to the agreement that reduced sympathy towards the PGA Tour. McIlroy has publicly supported Rahm and advocated for his place in the Ryder Cup.

The next step is to observe Rahm’s career outside the PGA Tour and how LIV and the tour deal with the situation.   The answers will start to unfold at Augusta.